By Elizabeth Sitotombe

WITH just 16 days remaining until Zimbabwe’s 45th Independence Day celebrations on April 18, the nation prepares to commemorate its hard-won freedom with a huge sense of unity, reflection and renewed commitment to progress. April 18 marks the day when Zimbabwe broke free from British colonial rule, ending nearly a century of oppression and racial segregation. The liberation struggle, fought by brave men and women, culminated in the birth of a sovereign nation.

For Zimbabweans, this day is a reminder of the sacrifices made by selfless heroes and heroines to secure their freedom and dignity. This year’s celebrations, running under the theme ‘Zim@45: Devolve and Develop Together Towards Vision 2030’, will be held at Nembudziya Growth Point in Gokwe North, Midlands Province, in line with the Government’s policy of rotating national events across provinces. Gokwe, a key agricultural hub in the Midlands Province, is renowned for its cotton production, served as transit route for fighters moving between Zambia and operational areas at the war front. Chiefs, headmen and their subjects risked their lives to support the liberation movement.

Chief Nembudziya hosted covert meetings and helped smuggle weapons, using his authority to shield villagers from suspicion. In Gokwe North, Chief Chireya provided food and shelter to ZANLA forces, despite Rhodesian forces burning his village in retaliation. This is how the people of the Midlands played their role in the Second Chimurenga. Chimurenga means a revolutionary struggle or uprising and derives from Murenga, who was known as Sororenzou or Pfumojena, which also means ‘white spear’, a name given to him after defeating the Arabs.

Murenga means resister or fighter and the wars of liberation in Zimbabwe were fought under this name. Murenga bore Nehanda Nyakasikana, Mushavatu and Chaminuka, among others. These names were a rallying cry and strategic foundation for the war that was to spread to the Midlands and all parts of the then Rhodesia.

Their names were invoked during pungwes to unite communities, especially in Gokwe which had become a hub of guerrilla activity, political mobilisation and grassroots resistance during the Second Chimurenga. Forty-five years down the line, Zimbabwe is still free and has reclaimed land — one of the major reasons for waging the armed struggle — and distributed it to the once marginalised masses. But there lies a danger in the younger generation, even some who lived through the struggle, of forgetting why the war was fought in the first place. Celebrations of this nature should continue to remind citizens of their rights and responsibilities in shaping governance. Chenjerai kukanganwa chazuro nehope! For while Zimbabwe has faced many hardships, including economic hardships compounded by illegal sanctions and political instability, Independence Day serves as a moment to acknowledge achievements such as land reform, education expansion and infrastructure development while recommitting to overcoming ongoing challenges like unemployment and inflation.

Zimbabweans from all walks of life are encouraged to participate in the country’s 45th Independence Day celebrations regardless of colour, creed, political affiliation or otherwise because this is a national event. Speaking at a post-Cabinet media briefing, Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Dr Jenfan Muswere confirmed that preparatory work is at an advanced stage. For many years Harare hosted the national celebrations but under the Second Republic’s vision of leaving no-one and no place behind, everyone is included in celebrating the country’s legacy.

Over 60 000 attendees from all 10 provinces are expected at this historic event. The 2025 Independence Flame route will pass through various centres in Mberengwa, Gweru, Kwekwe, past the Sikombela Detention Camp and Gokwe District Offices before it reaches Nembudziya Growth Point. The Sikombela Detention camp was established in 1964 to detain prominent figures of the liberation struggle who included Leopold Takawira, Edson Zvobgo and the late President Robert Mugabe, among others. The Independence Flame that helps reinforce national pride and continuity will reach Mutapa Hall on April 10 2025, where it will be received by Vice-President Gen (Rtd) Constantino Chiwenga. It is at Mutapa Hall that the historical decision to wage the armed struggle against colonial rule was made in 1964 during a ZANU congress.

Thereafter, the flame will be carried through all the Midlands districts until it reaches Sikombela (former) Restriction Camp on April 17 where it will be received by Vice-President Kembo Mohadi before reaching its final destination at Nembudziya Growth Point. The children’s party, as per tradition, will be held on April 17 at Nyamuroro High School, where a total of 3 050 child-delegates will be hosted by the First Family. The venue of the children’s party is also undergoing transformation through the construction of two ablution blocks and two student hostels, both of which are almost complete.

Youth-centred events ensure the younger generation understands their history and their role in shaping the country’s future. The Independence Day Gala will be hosted at Nembudziya Government High School on the eve of April 18 where different artistes and dance groups are expected to showcase their talent during the celebrations. This year’s focus on devolution highlights Government’s push to empower local communities.

By hosting the event in Gokwe, the celebrations will boost local economies, improve infrastructure and amplify rural voices in national discourse. Government has also taken steps to guarantee the supply of clean water through the drilling of 129 boreholes in Gokwe North and South districts, with seven boreholes drilled at the venue.

A total water storage capacity of 60 000 litres have been set aside for potable water during the celebrations while 369 buses have been deployed across the country’s 10 provinces. FC Platinum and Simba Bhora football clubs which emerged first and second, respectively, in the Premier League will go head-to-head at the main Independence Day celebrations. Black Rhinos Football Club and Herentals Queens will play during the 2025 children’s party celebrations. Paying tribute to those who fought for our freedom ensures their legacy endures.